Comments

What does an online article about gay animals have to do with an English extra-credit assignment? It’s not something that would offend me, but what was the point? Was the article an example of good or bad writing?

It’s possible the teacher was giving a writing assignment. We often do cross-discipline work. If the science teacher comes to us and says “the kids don’t know how to write a research paper” then we’re likely to do a unit on writing research papers.

I personally would take an opportunity like this to offer something ‘controversial’… but then again I’m the teacher who was reprimanded for posting a list of banned books during ALA banned books week.

Next book the students get to choose individually, as long as one criterion is met: The book is or has been banned.

That’s just beautiful! :*-) (That was a “happy tears face” in case you’re unfamiliar with the emoticon I just made up.)

I saw this story this morning on Twitter (thanks @sciencegoddess & @davemunger). We still don’t have all the facts, but from what I’ve seen, I have to tentaively conclude (until further evidence surfaces) that there is a degree of homophobia invoved in this decision.

I, like Greg, have issues with that article, which can best be summed up with PZ’s quote in the same article. But I think that it does bring up good points: namely that homosexuality in social animals shouldn’t be viewed as an abberation.

If you really want students to read something the first thing you should do is ban it and threaten to expell any student who’s you suspect has read it. Party on.
Actually, might want to try it with evolution too. Any kid dumb enough to not read it after it was banned is probably not looking at a career where their scientific judgement matters anyhow.

Almost none of the examples are anything that is remotely close to being banned (except perhaps removed from a library shelf somewhere). If you want to actually make a serious statement instead of being a naughty-boy wannabe, try something that ACTUALLY has consequences. An example that comes to mind is the man who was arrested for simply providing a Hezbollah cable feed to those who want it (I don’t support the politics of Hezbollah, but I do support free speech).